Top 2 Causes for Pastors Leaving Ministry and More Statistics

More than 70% of pastors do not have a close friend with whom they can openly share their struggles. The dominant cause for pastors to leave the pastoral ministry is burnout. Number two is moral failure. These are alarming statistics. And there are many more:

Only 50% of pastors felt that the education they received adequately prepared them for ministry. Most pastors rely on books and conferences as their primary source of continuing education. (George Barna – 2002)

25% of all pastors don’t know where to go for help if they have a personal or family conflict or concern. 33% have no established means for resolving conflict. (George Barna – 2002)

40% have no opportunity for outside renewal like a family vacation or continuing education. There is a very clear relationship between the amount of time a pastor takes for personal renewal and his satisfaction in his job. (George Barna – 2002)

At any given time, 75% of pastors in America want to quit. (Church Resource Ministries – 1998)

More than 2000 pastors are leaving the ministry each month. (Marble Retreat Center 2001)

August 1998, excerpts from James Dobson’s newsletter:

Our surveys indicated that 80 percent of pastors and 84 percent of their spouses are discouraged or are dealing with depression.[6] More than 40 percent of pastors and 47 percent of their spouses report that they are suffering from burnout, frantic schedules and unrealistic expectations.[7] We estimate that approximately 1,500 pastors leave their assignments each month, due to moral failure, spiritual burnout or contention within their local congregations.[8]

Why are pastors struggling? There are many causes. The Fuller Institute of Church Growth found in 1991 that 80 percent of the clergy feel their families have been negatively impacted by the church, and 33 percent consider the ministry to be an outright hazard to their families.[9] Financial burdens are common as well. The majority of pastors are heavily in debt, due to college and seminary expenses. These and other problems often lead to serious marital conflict and family dysfunction. Unfortunately, the embarrassment or gossip within the church leads some couples to avoid needed counseling services.

Endnotes:

[6] Compilation of surveys from Focus on the Family, Pastor’s Gatherings.